Many companies include mission, vision or value statements in their sexual harassment policies. While a sexual harassment policy can be written to reflect state and federal laws, descriptions of harassing behaviors, company complaint channels and investigation procedures, policies can also encourage people to contribute to a safe and inclusive work environment aligned with the company’s overall goals.

Creating a Safe Workplace

A sexual harassment policy for your workplace can be written in various ways. Many companies choose to include descriptions of the many behaviors that could constitute sexual harassment. For example, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, sexual harassment can happen in such forms as unwelcome jokes, gestures, touching, staring or bribery as well as outright sexual attack. It can be same-sex or opposite-sex and perpetrated by women as well as men. Your written policy can remind managers and employees of the negative impacts sexual harassment has on the company, including diminished employee health, damaged workplace relationships and legal trouble.

Why the Policy Exists

Clearly defining the purpose of your sexual harassment policy is the point of the policy’s mission statement. For example, the Society for Human Resource Management offers a sample template of a sexual harassment policy that begins with, “The purpose of this policy is to define sexual harassment and provide procedures for the investigation of sexual harassment claims.”

The Policy in Action

Your company’s vision can be stated within your sexual harassment policy as what you expect your policy to achieve. Some companies include in their policies descriptions of the ideal workplace or responsibilities expected to be upheld by all employees. For example, Proctor and Gamble’s policy on workplace behavior outlines its vision of a safe and healthy work environment free of violence and sexual harassment. According to the company’s guide on values and policies, each employee is personally responsible “to other P&G employees and to the Company to help eliminate actions or circumstances which undermine this environment.”

The Company’s Stand

Your company’s values define what it believes in and the commitments that drive it. Many companies reference their values in their sexual harassment policies, which can help keep core values fresh in employees’ minds. For example, Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company in Pennsylvania holds core values that include cultivating selfless service, building trust among employees and treating all people with dignity and respect, according to the company’s Code of Conduct and Ethics. The company’s commitment to its core values is emphasized in relation to preventing sexual harassment with a statement that the company is “committed to providing a work environment for Employees that is free from harassment in any form, including sexual harassment.”

About the Author

A writer since 1995, Christian Fisher is an author specializing in personal empowerment and professional success. From 2000 to 2005, he wrote true stories of human triumph for "Woman's World" magazine. Since 2004, he has also helped launch businesses including a music licensing company and a music school.